INTERNATIONAL SEAPLANE FLY-IN – SEPT. 10th-13th

42nd annual International Seaplane Fly-In Schedule

Thursday, Sept. 10

1 p.m.  Registration begins at Stobie Seaplane Base. One shuttle van will be running starting at 1 p.m. for pilots who have flown in

5:30 p.m. Registration will be moved to the Katahdin parking lot

6-9 p.m. Katahdin Buffet and Sunset Cruise. Reservations for the buffet/cruise can be made ONLY through the fly-in.

 Observer file photo/Stuart Hedstrom

MOOSEHEAD LAKE LANDING — The annual International Seaplane Fly-In draws thousands to the Moosehead Lake region, with the event including various aerial competitions such as take offs, spot landings, bomb drops and two person bush pilot canoe races. The 42nd International Seaplane Fly-In will be held in Greenville on Sept. 10-13.

Friday, Sep. 11

8 a.m. Registration starts at Stobie Seaplane Base and runs through late afternoon. Shuttle vans will be running for pilots who have flown in. Exhibitors will set up at Stobie Seaplane Base. There will be a poker run and it’s a good day for pilots and guests to enjoy the beauty of the Moosehead Lake region.

6 p.m. Steak and lobster cook-out at Greenville Municipal Airport.

Saturday, Sept. 12

7-9 a.m. Public breakfast at the Masonic temple, Pritham Avenue (the American Legion will be serving food durign the day); shuttle vans will be running.

TBA: Pilot’s Meeting will be held. Check fly-in headquarters for details

10 a.m. Organized fly-bys and contests at the Greenville Municipal Airport and seaplane base; craft fair in downtown Greenville.

6 p.m. Awards banquet at Greenville Municipal Airport

Sunday, Sept. 13

7-9 a.m. Public breakfast at the American Legion Hall, Pritham Avenue

TBA Seaplane Pilots’ Association breakfast meeting on the “Kate”

10 a.m. Completion of contests not done on Saturday

12-1 p.m.  Winner of the 50/50 raffle will be drawn; craft fair continues in downtown Greenville

Fly-In Headquarters is at 38 Pritham Ave. in downtown Greenville. For more information, visit www.seaplanefly-in.org.

Observer file photo/Stuart Hedstrom

PLANE PARKING — A trio of craft are parked on the shores of Moosehead Lake in Greenville during a past International Seaplane Fly-In. This year’s event starts Thursday and runs through Sunday, Sept. 13.

 Observer file photo/Stuart Hedstrom

FOR VIEWING — The International Seaplane Fly-In provides the public with the opportunity to get a close look at the various aircraft in town for the weekend.

Observer file photo/Stuart Hedstrom

IT’S NOT A BIRD OR SUPERMAN … —  Numerous aircraft can be seen and heard flying overhead during the International Seaplane Fly-In.

Seaplane Fly-In brings planes and people to town

GREENVILLE — Pilots from across the country and Canada are expected to attend the popular International Seaplane Fly-In from Sept. 10-13, which also draws some of the biggest crowds of the summer season to the Moosehead Lake region.

The annual event, which allows pilots to test their flying skills against others and learn about the latest products in the aircraft industry, often draws some unique aircraft to this tourist community as well

The International Seaplane Fly-In got its start in 1973 when Greenville was but a speck on the world map and a few bush pilots made a living flying sportsmen in and out of this remote area. Very few roads existed at the time.

It was during some down time on a wintry day when a few Greenville pilots thought it might be a good time to invite like-minded pilots to the area for a weekend of fun and flying.

A tradition was born when David Quam (a past-president of the Seaplane Pilots Association), Duane Lander, Telford Allen, Chip Taylor, Dick Folsom and Charlie Coe — truly one of the last of the late, great bush pilots — got the first Fly-In off the ground. It turned out to be a great success. Pilots from around the country started making it an annual run.

By 1995, International Seaplane Fly-In became a non-profit corporation. Its purpose is to promote fellowship, personal contact, and unification among seaplane pilots, and recreational and competitive events, including at least one annual fly-in.

Today, besides the Cessnas, Cubs and Beavers, some spectacular examples of rare planes make a showing. Those have included a traditional 1944 Grumman Goose. It is not unusual to see a Caravan or two, as well as many classic and experimental seaplanes.

The design and diversity of these beauties, combined with the knowledge of the pilots flying them, make a tremendous weekend for the flying enthusiast.

Admission to the Fly-In is free, but parking spaces are hard to come by in downtown Greenville during the event weekend. Spectators often park their cars at the municipal airport where shuttle service is available to and from the site.